Orlando Pirates may not be conceding a lot on set pieces and based on that, it can look like they are better at it but when you look at deeper details like myself, you will realize that the boys are still giving opponents quality chances on set pieces but a combination of luck and opponent’s failure to capitalize it’s what bails them out. In a game against Polokwane City on Saturday during the MTN8 quarterfinals, Bucs had two moments where they failed to win aerial duels and for the second time, Sipho Chaine decided to come out and catch or punch the all away as a result of not having trust on his defence to win aerial balls and Bucs nearly conceded from such situation.

Chaine has lost trust in his defence on set pieces and ended up deciding to to come out even when he supposed to stay on his line and it’s a catch 22 situation for him. Certainly set pieces like out swinger, are wicked and mostly will be difficult for goalkeepers since are curling away from the six yeard box but when defenders are not showing aggression at defending with bravery, height and distance, goalkeepers will always be tempted to come out and sometimes they become late or clash with opponents/teammates and fail to reach to the ball and I think Bucs will need to improve very fast in this area. It’s still hurting that we were eliminated from Caf champions league because of the same reason but we still have players who are not looking like they will improve in that aspect.

Lucas Twala was not the tallest of defenders and most of Pirates centrebacks are taller than him but they are way below his quality in the air and that shows that it’s not necessarily about the height but desire and confidence to compete and win duels in the air. People in England were written Martinez off when man united signed as a centreback due to his lack of height but because I it was not about his size but the fight within, quickly silenced by being of the best in the air doing even better than some of the tallest centrebacks in the league. We can get away with few things in PSL but in Caf champions, we won’t have a chance to live for another day. I remain hopeful but honestly speaking, I don’t know what it would take for the boys to develop that fire or burning desire within them.

Last season the coach had only Kabelo Dlamini as a genuine game changer that he can call upon from the bench especially when he had already started with Mohau Nkota as at times Shandu would start out on wing and as a result, The team couldn’t challenge strongly for the league but what I have seen against Polokwane City left me highly impressed. To see the coach showing unbelievable confidence in Boitumelo Radiopane to lead the line in his first official game that comes with so much pressure, it was a beauty to behold. There was no Makgopa neither Mabasa on the bench but only Mbuthuma and despite missing a good chance after replacing Radioman, he had a decent second half minutes.

The new midfield Sentinel Sihle Nduli, showed maturity and understanding of the game but always looking to check any imbalance in midfield because whenever he makes a move, always check if someone is filling that gap he’s vacated and if not, will quickly come back to provide balance and stability of which was very key especially when playing as a single pivot. Tito and Mbule showed maturity as playmakers since they never try to outshine the other but worked hard by sharing the ball with each having clarity of the zones and spaces to occupy and that showed that they were made to understand that collectivism comes before any individualsm. There was no Makhaula, Mbatha or Selepe and they all coming to strongly to fight for their places within the team of which makes things more interesting as the competition can only go higher.

There’s still Sinoxolo Kwayiba who is more suited for a number 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation and will bring goals. Masindi Nemtatjela can operate as 8 &10 while Karim Kimvuidi seems to be very much in the plans of the coach. In a game where Relebohile Mofokeng was not at his best, Oswin Appollis took full advantage of limelight and that’s what we want to see. Tshepang Moremi remains a work in progress Abdoulaye Mario’s physical profile, technical ability and experience in the continent will be of critical importance once he fully settles. I wish I could say more but hopefully, will do some videos from now going forward even though they won’t be long.